00:18At a time when the West Asia region is on the edge, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled
00:23visit to his right has triggered debate at home and drama abroad. Critics are questioning the
00:29timing of this visit, as much as of the world has distanced itself from his right over its
00:34operation in Gaza. The opposition is asking, is this sound diplomacy or a major blunder
00:40that could strain India's relations with its Muslim partners?
00:44I am Abhay and you are watching One India News special program, India Global.
00:52This is his second visit to Israel. The first, back in 2017, made history. He was the first
00:58Indian Prime Minister to ever visit Israel. Nearly 9 years later, he returns. He arrives
01:04in Tel Aviv on February 25. Most events will be held in Jerusalem and the agenda is heavy.
01:12First, the bilateral talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Defense security,
01:17technology, trade, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, high-tech partnerships. This
01:23is not a symbolic visit. This is a strategic one. India and Israel today have trade worth
01:28around 6.5 billion dollars. India is one of India's key defense suppliers. From drones
01:34to missile systems, Israel is important for India. But there is a moment that could become
01:40historic. Modi is set to address the nascent, Israel's parliament. This will be the first time
01:46an Indian Prime Minister speaks there. A powerful image, a symbol of strategic intimacy. And yet,
01:52even that stage is not free from politics. The visit also includes a joint trip to Yad Bashi,
01:59Israel's Holocaust memory and an innovation event focused on AI, startups and the future technology.
02:05But why now? That is the question critics are asking. The region extends the Israel-Gaza war
02:11continues after the ceasefire. Hostilities are also happening there. World is questioning
02:17Israel's response to the October 7th horrific attack. Tens and thousands have been killed in
02:22Gaza. India recently joined more than 100 countries in criticizing Israel's moves in the West Bank.
02:28And just days ago, India advised its citizens to leave Iran amid fears of possible US strike. So,
02:34the opposition in India, including the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External
02:38Affairs, led by Shashitharur, asked, Is this diplomacy sound? Is this diplomatically right? They argue,
02:46Does this look like India is endorsing exiles actions in Gaza? Are we abandoning the Palestinian cause?
02:53What about India's image in the global south? Strong words, serious questions. The government's
02:59response is clear. This is strategic autonomy. India speaks to everyone. India chooses its timing.
03:06India does not pick side. It picks interest. New Delhi says it still supports a two-state solution.
03:14It still maintains relationship with Palestine. It still works closely with Gulf countries,
03:20critical for energy and diaspora remittances. But it will not freeze with engagement with Israel.
03:26And then the political twist inside Israel. The opposition there is threatening to
03:31boycott Modi's address to the nescent. Not because of India. Not because of Modi. But because of their
03:37own domestic battle. Nescent Speaker Amed decided not to invite the President of Israel's Supreme Court
03:43to the session. The opposition led by Yar Lapid says this is another attack on the Judiciary by Netanyahu's
03:51coalition. They want, they may walk out. Lapid says they do not want to embarrass India. They also do not
03:59want to
03:59legitimize what they see as an assault on judicial independence. Ohana responded sharply. The Speaker
04:07of Israel's Nescent calling the boycott threat political blackmail and saying empty seats will
04:13be filled if necessary. So what we are seeing is this. A visit that is bilateral but also regional
04:19and even domestic for both the sites. For Netanyahu, this is a chance to show Israel is not isolated.
04:27Very few major global south leaders have visited since October 2023. He has even spoken of the
04:33Hexagon of Alliance, a strategic group including India. That is a direct counter to Iran-aligned
04:38axis of resistance. For PM Modi, this is a message. India is a global player. India engages independently.
04:47India will talk, defense, technology and security. Even in a volatile region. The visit is going ahead.
04:53Despite the criticism, despite the boycott, threats, despite the geopolitical tension.
04:58The next 48 hours will be crucial because sometimes diplomacy is not just about what is said
05:04behind the closed doors. It is about the signals sent to friends, to foes and to the world.
05:11This was One India's special program, India Global. Keep watching for more international news.
05:18Subscribe to One India and never miss an update. Download the One India app now.
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